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Increased serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity in sarcoidosis
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|October 1, 1977
Summary
Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity is significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients, aiding diagnosis. However, steroid therapy can lower ACE levels, impacting its diagnostic reliability.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause.
- Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is an enzyme involved in the renin-angiotensin system.
- Elevated ACE levels have been observed in sarcoidosis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum ACE activity as a diagnostic marker for sarcoidosis.
- To assess the effect of steroid therapy on serum ACE levels in sarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Serum ACE activity was measured fluorometrically using hippuryl-L-histidyl-L-leucine as a substrate.
- ACE activity was compared between patients with sarcoidosis, other diseases, and normal subjects.
- The impact of steroid therapy and placebo on ACE levels was investigated.
Main Results:
- Serum ACE activity was significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients compared to controls.
- Elevated ACE levels were found in 59% of newly diagnosed, untreated sarcoidosis patients.
- Steroid therapy significantly reduced serum ACE activity in treated patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum ACE activity is a valuable, though not perfectly specific, diagnostic indicator for sarcoidosis.
- Normal ACE levels do not exclude sarcoidosis.
- Steroid treatment can decrease serum ACE activity, potentially affecting its diagnostic utility.